INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR BULGARIAN MICROBIOLOGY

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR BULGARIAN MICROBIOLOGY

Prof. Angel Galabov, long-term director of the Institute of Microbiology to the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences was interviewed by Ksenia Kisselincheva for the Spot On magazine. The occasion was the admission of the above mentioned institute as an associated member of the Luis Pasteur Institute in Paris.

Prof. Galabov is an internationally recognized scholar in the area of virusology. He has to his account over a hundred publications in international journals, two monographic books, he is the author of many inventions of new anti-virus preparations.

“What happened on the 26^th of June 2004?”

“Our institute was admitted as an associated member of the Luis Pasteur Institute in Paris, having in mind we are the sixth associated member in Europe.  It is a great recognition for Bulgarian science by this world center of microbiology, which is a leader in the struggle with contagious diseases. To mention only a few of their significant contributions - the regulatory mechanism of the genetic code of the cell, the AIDS causing virus and only recently the SARS causing virus.”

“What is envisaged as the specific contribution of Bulgarian microbiology to the avantguard research in world science?”

“This is the research in the domain of anti-virus preparations which is one of the most promising trends in modern science. Also, they recognize our achievements in applied microbiology, the so-called “useful microorganisms” to be used in various products to man’s benefit.”

“Why did you apply to become a member of Pasteur’s family?

“First of all, there is an underlying emotional bond since a number of our eminent scholars have specialized in Pasteur. I, personally, am awarded with the title of “student of Pasteur”. Also, many of our scholars are associated with other French institutions, universities and academic sections. But, generally speaking, this strong link with French science can be personified by Institute Pasteur. For instance, Prof. Stefan Angelov, the founder of our institute has specialized with Gaston Ramon and he has studied in particular the principles of making vaccines. On the eve of the First World War, he made an extraordinary invention which won him world recognition – the vaccine against plague on cattle. For the first time, cattle breeding was spared in Europe, having been devastated by plague for centuries on end.

Actually, there are a number of advantages of being a member of this family. There will be full free access to their information systems. Also, there will be a chance for young promising scholars to do specialization at the Institute Pasteur. Last but not least, we will be allowed to take part in joint projects, such as initiated by the European Union and NATO for Peace and other programs.”

“What is the impact of molecular biology on research in microbiology?”

“The impact is tremendous. Molecular biology has infiltrated our findings and these new technologies comprise the top achievements in modern science. For instance, the tracing of dangerous microorganisms in food products like milk can be done only with the help of such methods.  The fast accurate tests can prevent the spread of epidemics. Another example is the technology for making yoghurt where the various lactobacilli contribute to a variety of flavors. Again this type of technology helped defeat the virus causing encephalytis which took hundreds of lives in Roumania five years ago. Science is attacking tuberculosis with similar methods, especially efficient at a child’s age.”

“Which is your latest innovation at the Institute of microbiology?”

“We created an antiviral disinfectant distributed on the market by German companies. It has already been registered in Canada and the US. This is a number one in the generation of hand disinfectants and is of paramount importance for hospital hygiene. It is both highly effective and sparing the skin. The so-called synergistic substances which have been added, contribute to full protection against bacterial and viral infections which amount to one third of hospital infections.”

This interview sketched only a few details of the ongoing struggle of modern science against those multiple invisible enemies of humans like viruses which often cause more casualties than wars and natural disasters. We should always keep in mind that the miraculous cures to these threats come as a result of the combined committed endeavor of a number of scholars, the like of Prof. Angel Galabov who live every minute of their life to serve mankind.              

     

      

“I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE AN AUTHOR”

“I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE AN AUTHOR”

Jane Urquhart is a Canadian writer of Irish descent. She was long‑listed for the Booker Prize 2001 for her novel “The Stone Carvers”. She has also written “The Underpainter” which got many reputable prizes and wide critical acclaim. She has been on a visit to Bulgaria on the occasion of the translation of her two major novels. She was interviewed for “Spot On” by Ksenia Kisselincheva, PhD.

KK: Are you more interested in exploring the past rather than the present world you live in?

JU: Definitely, I am more fascinated with exploring the relation of the present to the past, trying to put the past into some perspective. My latest novel deals with an artist’s coming to terms with a tragic fact of Canadian history. Walter Alward has been commissioned with the conception of a grand memorial, dedicated to the heroic death of thousands of Canadian soldiers who fought in France during the World War I.

KK: What kind of experience is the act of writing for you?

JU: For me writing is a voyage of discovery. Once the characters enter my fictional world I am curious to find out how they evolve and interact with each other. The initial creative impulse is the characters and the setting. As I keep on writing, I try to put more emotional depth and resonance into my narrative.

KK: How much time does it take you to do the preliminary research?

JU: Working in the archives takes a very long time. It can change the conception of the plot. When writing, I no longer use notes, but already finely digested information. Then I let my imagination take me on a journey into the unknown.

KK: Are the characters in some way aspects of your personality?

JU: In some way, they certainly are. It is like a dream and whatever makes part of the dream, it is a projection of your subconscious.

KK: Your previous novel “The Underpainter” is often compared with “The English Patient”. In what way is history related to personal fate in it?

JU: The historical events are focused through the personal fate of the characters, through their perceptions and experiences. I have attempted at rendering the artistic atmosphere of New York when modern art was at its peak.

KK: The convincing historical events seem to be seen through the keyhole of an artist’s studio. It gives compactness and unity to your overplay with historical layers.

JU: I have aimed at this in both novels and I hope I have succeeded at it.

KK: You have also written poetry. Where does it rank in your scale of literary values?

JU: For me, poetry is the most important literary form. Great poetry bypasses the intellect and gets into your unconsciousness. I had a long poem recently published in “The Walrus”, a reputable Canadian magazine - I am very proud of it. Imagery from my poetry flows into the novels. Recurrent images with me are paintings and scenery.

KK: When did you decide to become a writer?

JU: I always wanted to be an author. After I had my daughter, I decided to try. Women writers like Margaret Atwood, Alistair McLoud and Carrol Shields have influenced and encouraged me a lot. My husband who is a university professor, has supported my literary endeavors too. Feminism has had its powerful impact on me, shaping many of my ideas and values.

KK: Apart from the researched materials, what other things go into the texture of your works?

JU: Mostly things I have seen and experienced personally, memorable impressions like those of my trip to Ireland. For instance, the story of my husband’s family makes part of my last novel “The Stone Carvers”.

KK: What kind of audience do you have in mind when you write?

JU: I have mostly in mind my family members, especially my mother. She is voracious reader and my most severe critic.

KK: How about your impressions from Bulgaria?

JU: I have the feeling that I have been here a long time. The people are so warm and friendly. I was impressed by your rich cultural heritage - Roman forums and mosaics, Byzantine churches and icons, unique Revival period architecture. I hope to come back very soon. I see certain analogies between Bulgarian and Irish history – you know, as the case with Ireland is, the tragic historical plight has produced marvelous poetry, prose and drama. I would like to know more about Bulgarian literature, for I am sure gems could be discovered there.

SpotOn Magazine, April 2004